Sanford C of C to give $10,000 to committee studying casino

SANFORD – The local chamber of commerce has agreed to spend up to $10,000 to fund a citizens committee studying the impact of a proposed $650 million Indian casino resort across from Sanford Regional Airport.

The 10-member Citizens Casino Advisory Task Force was appointed by Sanford selectmen last week but was not given funding.

The Sanford-Springvale Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development concluded the task force needed money, even though the chamber is neutral on the casino proposal, said President Richard Stanley.

“The board of directors felt the citizens committee will need funding to accomplish what they need to do in a short period of time,” he said.

Selectman Gary Morse said officials had not funded the task force because they didn’t know if it is legal for the town to finance a citizens committee. He said selectmen are investigating whether they can assess an impact fee on the casino developers. Erin Lehane, spokeswoman for Think About It, a lobbying group that represents the casino’s developers, said she has not been approached by town officials about funding the task force.

“We certainly do not want the town to go to any undue expense. We will just wait to hear from the town before going to the tribes for their consideration,” said Lehane.

Morse said selectmen have not yet discussed whether using fees from casino backers or other interest groups would affect the task force’s neutrality. He said he would discuss the issue with other selectmen.

The Penobscot and Passamaquoddy tribes already have options to buy about 300 wooded acres in south Sanford, and their engineers have begun meeting with town planning officials.

In the next three weeks, the tribes are expected to give town officials a preliminary project proposal. The casino requires approval by voters in a statewide referendum in November.

The citizens task force will report its findings to Sanford selectmen in October.